The Lexus LBX represents a bold step into a fresh market for Lexus within Europe, marking a pivotal model for the brand’s growth in the region.
This compact yet dynamic vehicle, the smallest among Lexus models, introduces itself as a self-charging hybrid electric crossover. Engineered to seamlessly integrate into daily life, it embodies contemporary design ethos, blending superior quality with an effortless vibe. Beyond expectations for its class, the LBX embraces cutting-edge technologies without compromising on the hallmark Lexus traits of exquisite craftsmanship and a welcoming ambiance for all passengers.
Notably, this marks the first time Lexus has tailored a vehicle specifically to cater to European preferences, tastes, and trends. The LBX is slated to take center stage in the brand’s lineup, aiming for 24,000 sales across Europe by 2024.
The choice of a concise three-letter name holds significance; previously, only the LFA supercar held such distinction. By naming it LBX, Lexus conveys deep commitment and confidence in this new model. Much like the LFA showcased a different facet of the brand in terms of attitude and performance, the LBX seeks to challenge norms, redefining the offerings of a compact car and invigorating the brand’s influence and visibility.
Serving as an entry point to Lexus’ European range, the LBX appeals strongly to a younger demographic and those previously unacquainted with the Lexus brand. It also presents an enticing option for individuals seeking to downsize or add a supplementary vehicle, meeting the evolving demands of their lifestyles.
The newly designed self-charging 1.5-liter hybrid electric system delivers engaging performance, boasting robust, seamless acceleration from the get-go. This translates to urban-friendly low-speed agility. A novel bi-polar nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery, smaller and lighter yet more responsive, coupled with meticulous noise and vibration reduction measures, ensures a serene and tranquil onboard experience fitting for a premium model.
The LBX’s styling introduces a fresh Lexus identity, characterized by a commanding “Resolute Look” front design, a reinterpretation of the iconic spindle grille. Despite its smaller exterior dimensions compared to other Lexus models, its appearance exudes strength and vigor. Inside, emphasis is placed on driver engagement, featuring a focused driver’s cockpit inspired by Lexus’ Tazuna concept. This layout, drawing from the precise control of reins by a rider (Tazuna in Japanese), arranges controls and information sources for minimal hand and eye movement, keeping the driver’s attention on the road. The cabin creates an airy ambiance, boasting excellent visibility and a seamlessly flowing instrument panel merging into the door panels.
In its divergence from convention with the LBX, Lexus introduces a novel approach to its model range, offering choices aligned with contemporary customer preferences for cars reflecting personal style and character.
Breaking away from the traditional linear grade strategy, Lexus empowers owners with greater freedom to express their individuality. Four distinct “Atmospheres” alongside a well-equipped entry model stand as offerings. These atmospheres pivot away from being defined solely by equipment levels or comfort features, instead focusing on expressing refined, dynamic, or sporty themes through styling nuances, colors, textures, and finishes. Furthering this personalization drive, the Lexus Bespoke Build program, available for order in selected countries from January, presents even more tailored options.
The LBX marks the first Lexus model produced at the Iwate plant in eastern Japan, a facility revitalized by Toyota Motor Corporation’s investment following the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Production is slated to commence this year, with European deliveries set for early 2024.
THE LBX AND THE EUROPEAN MARKET
Tailored to resonate with contemporary European tastes, the LBX caters to three key customer profiles identified by Lexus: existing Lexus customers seeking a smaller second car, admirers of the brand without a suitable model, and newcomers attracted by this crossover’s appeal.
These consumer segments are drawn primarily to the LBX’s striking exterior design, its cabin exuding premium quality akin to a higher segment, and the performance and efficiency of its self-charging hybrid electric powertrain.
Personalization stands as another hallmark, allowing owners to align their vehicle with their distinct style through the diverse Atmospheres interior styling options. Going beyond, the Bespoke Build option accommodates an even wider range of preferences, typically reserved for top-tier models. These measures encapsulate Lexus’ commitment to “making luxury personal,” setting the car apart from rivals in its class.
To aid customers in envisioning various option combinations, Lexus introduced an online car configurator. This interactive tool provides a virtual 3D, 360-degree experience, offering a detailed exploration of the LBX’s design, colors, interior trims, and features.
The launch model range includes the Original Edition, a limited-to-2,000 high-specification variant for initial European customers. Based on the LBX “Cool” Atmosphere, its bespoke features include a bi-tone exterior paint finish in an exclusive Sonic Copper colorway, matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, distinctive exterior trim details, Original Edition badging, and leather and Ultrasuede upholstery with black stitching.
With the introduction of the LBX, Lexus broadens its European model range, spanning from this innovative crossover to luxury sedans, SUVs, people carriers, flagship limousines, coupes, and convertibles. Despite being the most compact model, owners will still enjoy the industry-leading Lexus customer experience.
Exterior Design
The team behind the LBX received encouragement from top management to embrace innovative thinking, evolving the design principles of Lexus Next Chapter, which have defined the latest NX, RX, and RZ models. This design approach directly mirrors the car’s driving appeal: compact and nimble in urban settings, agile on winding country roads, and stable and refined during highway cruising.
Their aim was to create a visually striking car catering to younger, city-savvy Europeans who appreciate premium quality presented in a more relaxed, modern aesthetic. It’s a Lexus that feels just as comfortable being driven in jeans and sneakers as it does showcasing the brand’s timeless hallmarks of luxury craftsmanship, premium quality, and engaging driving dynamics.
A notable aspect of the design is the innovative frontal arrangement that reimagines the spindle grille, a trademark design of the past decade, ushering Lexus into a new era.
Koichi Suga, General Manager of Lexus Design, elaborates, “We’ve redefined the spindle grille design to pave the way for something new. We’ve successfully crafted a fresh identity for the front face that’s distinct yet instantly recognizable as a Lexus.”
The grille now takes on a unified trapezoid shape, positioned below a slim opening that extends beneath the bonnet’s edge, connecting the slender headlight units and highlighted by a single chrome molding. This design pays homage to Lexus’ “Resolute Look,” initially introduced with the LF-S concept car in 2003, becoming a defining styling cue for Lexus production models in the early 2000s.
The seamless, frameless grille contributes to the LBX’s dynamic stance, forming the contours of the car’s spindle body and aiding aerodynamic efficiency. The redesigned headlights create a distinct visual identity, integrating daytime running lights and turn indicators within bi-functional units. The lights’ unique L-shape now faces outward, aligning with the direction of each indicator light. The headlights themselves feature single-project bi-beam LEDs, equipped with an Automatic High-beam System (AHS) in higher-grade models.
The LBX’s design philosophy is rooted in delivering a driving experience, reflecting the principles of Lexus Next Chapter Design. The retracted front pillars create a compact cabin and lengthen the bonnet, evoking a sporty profile. Pronounced fenders exude power, emphasizing the sizable 18-inch wheels and tires. Short overhangs and a more defined area around the rear doors convey nimble, dynamic performance.
At the rear, the design draws inspiration from Kagami-Mochi rice cakes, a traditional Japanese New Year religious offering. This influence reflects a balance of shapes, with the compact cabin atop a robust underbody, hinting at a low center of gravity and stable handling.
Details such as a subtly patterned film covering for the rear pillars create an intriguing textured appearance. Aero parts at the front and rear feature silver accents that accentuate the strong underbody.
Repositioning the license plate to the bumper enhances the prominence of the LEXUS name on the back door against a clean surface. Additionally, the evolved Lexus signature L-shaped light bar creates a more impactful visual presence, with the turn signal and reversing lamps having a subdued appearance when inactive.
The Lexus LBX measures 4,190 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and stands at a height of 1,545 mm, with a wheelbase spanning 2,580 mm. Its impressive 5.2 m turning radius makes it exceptionally well-suited for maneuvering through urban landscapes.
When it comes to colors, the LBX offers a range of vibrant hues and Lexus’ rich, deep-lustre sonic finishes. For the Emotion and Cool versions, there’s the option for bi-tone paintwork, allowing you to combine any color choice with a contrasting black roof for a distinctive look.
Interior Comfort
Lexus designers aimed to craft an interior that exudes simplicity and refinement, reminiscent of higher-segment models. This effect is anchored in three core elements: excellent visibility providing an unobstructed view and a sleek, clutter-free instrument panel; a sense of expansive interior space; and a commanding center console.
Throughout the cabin, the ethos of Lexus Omotenashi prevails, ensuring passengers feel welcomed and comfortable. Design intricacies anticipate their needs, from lighting and climate control to seat design and multimedia responsiveness, even extending to the E-latch electronic door release system.
The driver’s cockpit embodies Lexus’ Tazuna concept, strategically placing essential controls and information sources within easy reach. This layout minimizes distractions, requiring minimal hand or eye movement, thereby keeping the driver focused on the road.
To enhance the spacious and unobstructed feel, the horizontal instrument panel boasts a clean, straightforward design. It seamlessly integrates with the door panels, enveloping the front seat occupants and imparting a sense of expansiveness while maintaining a snug feel. This design continuity aids the driver in sensing the vehicle’s movement during turns.
The prominent center console stands as a robust structure housing a large display, seamlessly merging with the overall design. It features upholstered side knee pads, a tactile padded center armrest, and a lower storage box housing a 12V accessory socket and C-type USB port.
Seating focuses on maintaining stability and minimizing head movement during cornering. The rear seats are positioned slightly higher than the front ones, ensuring optimal visibility for all passengers. The driver benefits from a low hip-point, fostering a sedan-like driving position that enhances the connection between driver and car.
Front seats offer eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats split and fold in a 60:40 ratio. Additionally, the LBX incorporates a reminder system alerting if items or individuals are left on the front passenger or rear seats.
The Tazuna concept’s focus is amplified through a new fully digital instrument display, available in seven or 12.3-inch sizes depending on the model. The layout and prominence of meters adapt to drive modes and can be personalized. An optional head-up display offers various information modes regarding vehicle performance and driver assistance systems.
The three-spoke steering wheel design enhances control, comfort, and confidence inherent in the Lexus Driving Signature. Programmable touch-sensor switches on the wheel provide swift access to preferred vehicle settings. Upholsteries range from premium semi-aniline leather to vegan-friendly synthetic materials, ensuring both visual and tactile allure.
Aesthetics play a crucial role, notably with the introduction of Tsuyusami charcoal-effect trim inlays utilizing a multi-layered film technique for a textured appearance. Ambient lighting in 50 color options across five themes—Healing, Relaxing, Arousing, Focusing, and Exhilarated—adds to the welcoming ambiance, illuminating various cabin sections to create a premium feel suited to diverse moods, journeys, or times of the day.
Performance and Technology
The Lexus LBX comes packed with the latest Lexus Link Connect system, operated via a 9.8-inch touchscreen equipped with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring readability in all lighting conditions.
This system offers a range of functions, including cloud-based navigation that optimizes journey planning with real-time updates on traffic conditions. Enhancing convenience is dynamic voice recognition and the “Hey Lexus” onboard assistant, which responds to conversational language commands from both the driver and front seat passenger. For instance, a simple “Hey Lexus, I’m cold” prompts the system to adjust the climate control temperature. It can distinguish between the driver and the front passenger, operating seamlessly even without interrupting audio playback.
Smartphone integration is facilitated through wireless or wired connections for Apple CarPlay and a wired link for Android Auto.
The My Setting function allows up to three users to personalize their preferences for multimedia, vehicle settings, and safety systems, with the car automatically recognizing the user through a digital key, connected Bluetooth device, or facial recognition on specific models.
Similar to other new Lexus models, the LBX offers over-the-air software updates for its multimedia and safety systems, eliminating the need for visits to a Lexus workshop.
An optional digital key compatible with Apple and Android devices allows up to five individuals per car to unlock and start the vehicle via a smartphone app, enhancing convenience without needing to take the phone out of one’s pocket or bag.
The app also functions as a wireless key for remote locking and unlocking, enabling the car to serve as a secure drop-off point for parcel deliveries. Additionally, in case of a lost or depleted smartphone battery, a physical key remains available.
Lexus offers an optional premium audio system designed by Mark Levinson, featuring 13 optimally positioned speakers for an immersive sound experience. The system includes 10 Unity speakers, 22.9 cm woofers in the front doors, and a subwoofer beneath the luggage compartment floor. The Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround technology ensures accurate sound staging, balanced frequency characteristics, and high clarity.
The standard audio system includes six speakers, comprising mid-range speakers and woofers in the front doors.
The air conditioning system targets weight reduction, space-saving, quiet operation, and efficiency to improve overall fuel economy. It enhances heating performance and energy efficiency with a new air inlet design that increases the recirculated air rate.
Lexus Climate Concierge, available in higher-grade models, coordinates air conditioning with seat and steering wheel heaters to promptly achieve the desired temperature for each passenger. The system introduces fresh, low-humidity air into the cabin’s upper part to prevent window fogging and circulates warm air around the occupants’ feet.
To enhance cabin air quality, the Climate Concierge uses nanoe-X technology, which helps inhibit viruses and bacteria, neutralizes odors, and moisturizes human hair and skin.
Owners can operate the air conditioning system remotely through the Lexus Link app, pre-warming or cooling the cabin or initiating windscreen de-icing before a journey.
The e-Latch system offers intuitive, noiseless door opening and locking/unlocking, featuring a door opening switch on the external handles and integrated door pull and handle on the interior for smooth, single-motion door opening.
Linked to the Safe Exit Assist system, the e-Latch deactivates the interior door opening switch to prevent contact with approaching vehicles from the rear.
The front-wheel-drive LBX boasts a 402-liter load compartment with rear seats in place, accommodating two 75-liter suitcases beneath the tonneau board. The all-wheel-drive version offers 317 liters of space.
The design maximizes space by eliminating recesses and creating storage for tools and other items beneath the deck board. The lightweight folding tonneau board can be stored flat on the deck floor for larger cargo.
A power back door, equipped with a compact motor for quiet and quick operation, can be opened using switches on the instrument panel and smart key. It offers a close and lock switch on the door’s bottom edge and allows users to adjust the maximum opening angle.
The LBX offers an Advanced Park system using cameras and ultrasonic sensors for all-round real-time coverage, facilitating efficient automatic parking maneuvers.
Owners can operate the system remotely using a dedicated parking app on their smartphone, useful for parking in narrow spaces.
The LBX’s development prioritized driving performance, aiming to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature in a compact car package. Achieving nimble handling without relying on electronic controls involved measures such as lowering the center of gravity, widening the track, enhancing body rigidity, reducing weight, using larger tires, and revising the suspension.
Built on the GA-B compact car global platform, the LBX offers an extended wheelbase, short overhangs, and a wide track for enhanced stability and handling akin to a hatchback or sedan. The platform’s design delivers a low center of gravity, providing a sedan-like driving position with extended legs.
Enhanced body rigidity with structural adhesive, reinforcement, and lightweight components ensures torsional rigidity while contributing to a low center of gravity and fuel efficiency.
The LBX’s suspension system prioritizes steering response and turning ability, offering a MacPherson strut-type design in the front and torsion beam or double-wishbone setup at the rear for all-wheel-drive models.
A unified spindle and Resolute Look front design enhance aerodynamics, managing airflow and reducing drag coefficient to improve efficiency.
Careful considerations, such as a lowered hip point, optimized driving position, and meticulous noise and vibration control, contribute to a connected driving experience and a quiet cabin environment.
The LBX features a Vehicle Braking Posture Control system for automatic balancing of brake force to maintain stability, reduce roll when cornering, and filter out vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride.
The electronic power steering offers a nimble, smooth feel with manual adjustments for reach and height.
Equipped with a self-charging full hybrid electric powertrain, the LBX delivers efficient, responsive acceleration for a rewarding driving experience. The 1.5-liter VVT-iE engine and compact hybrid transaxle offer class-leading fuel consumption and low emissions.
Intelligent Predictive Efficient Drive optimizes hybrid battery power based on driving conditions and predicts driver behavior, enhancing fuel efficiency and supporting better performance.
The optional E-Four all-wheel-drive system adds confidence and stability in low-grip conditions by directing drive force to the rear wheels as needed.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE & SAFETY
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) boasts an expanded detection range using front radar and cameras, recognizing motorcycles and oncoming vehicles. Intersection Assistance now identifies oncoming vehicles and cross pedestrians during turns. Emergency Steering Assist maintains stability and lane positioning when avoiding obstacles, while Active Support prevents collisions through gentle braking and steering.
Additional features include Low Speed Acceleration Suppression to curb unintended throttle use at low speeds. The optional Front Cross Traffic Alert warns of approaching vehicles at obscured junctions. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) offers adjustable inter-vehicle distance settings, including Curve Speed Reduction and Overtaking Prevention based on road signs.
Enhancements to Lane Departure Alert (LDA) include recognizing street furniture and detecting driver evasion of obstacles. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) utilizes advanced cameras to follow road markings or the path of the vehicle ahead, while Lane Change Assist ensures safe lane changes.
The Driver Monitor, with a mounted camera above the steering wheel, alerts the driver if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected, bringing the car to a controlled halt if needed. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) incorporates Obstacle Anticipation Assist, Deceleration Assist, and Steering Assist for lower-speed scenarios, avoiding obstacles and maintaining lane position.
Automatic and Adaptive High Beam Systems optimize headlight illumination without dazzling oncoming traffic. Road Sign Assist (RSA) recognizes a wider range of highway signs, with the speed limiter linked to RSA for compliance.
Maneuver assistance includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Reversing Camera, and Parking Support Brake, automatically controlling drive force and braking to prevent collisions at low speeds.
Environmental Consciousness
Lexus is committed to sustainability, and the 2024 LBX is a testament to their dedication. The vehicle features a hybrid powertrain option, combining the best of both worlds – performance and fuel efficiency. By reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices, Lexus is paving the way for a greener future.
Conclusion
The all-new Lexus 2024 LBX is a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and sustainability. With its captivating design, comfortable interior, powerful performance, and advanced technology, this vehicle offers an unparalleled driving experience. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or someone looking for a stylish and reliable vehicle, the Lexus 2024 LBX is sure to exceed your expectations.
